Owens Students Honored for Coordinating Disaster Relief Efforts to Aid New York City

Owens Community College students Carrie McMullen of Perrysburg and Sean
Gregory of Toledo, both Arts and Science majors, recently were honored by
the College's Board of Trustees, as well as state and national government
officials for assisting in their own way in wake of the terrorist tragedies
September 11.

The two students took it upon themselves, with support of the Student Life
Office, to organize a Supply Drive to aid the relief efforts by emergency
workers at the World Trade Center disasters in New York City.

Among the government officials recognizing the Owens students were U.S.
Senator Mike DeWine, Ohio Representative Robert Latta and Ohio Senators'
Linda Furney and Randy Gardner.

Senator Mike DeWine in his commendation letters to both McMullen and Gregory
applauded their patriotic contributions and responsiveness to helping
others.

"Ohio is fortunate to have individuals such as yourselves who are willing to
serve others," DeWine said. "It is such a selfless attitude as your own
that makes this country great. Thank you for answering the call of fellow
Americans in need."

Dr. Christa Adams, President of Owens Community College, said she sees the
students as role models who have set an example of citizenship, which is
very inspiring.

"I am very proud of these two students and their desire to make a
difference," she said. "They are a reflection of what is good about America
and colleges of higher education."

McMullen and Gregory were able to secure a 24-foot truck, donated by a local
trucking company, and organized a three-day donation drive at Owens
Community College. With contributions from Northwest Ohio companies and the
community, as well as Owens faculty, staff and students, they filled the
truck to near capacity with various items, including hard hats, gloves and
flashlights.

At 6 a.m. on Thursday (September 20), McMullen and Gregory departed for New
York City to deliver the supplies to the Ground Zero site. The Supply Drive
was coordinated through the New York City Emergency Management Office.

"When they returned home I was told a majority of the supplies were
immediately distributed to aid the emergency workers," said Dermot Forde,
Owens Student Activities Coordinator.

"One hundred percent of the credit for organizing this Supply Drive goes to
these two students," Forde said. "Carrie and Sean are the type of students
who will motivate others to be active and involved in the campus and the
community. They are wonderful examples of leadership. I know they'll
continue to promote volunteerism among our students."